Cross Counter

All the talk after the King George V Stakes was about First Eleven, about how unlucky he was. And he was, but it is probable that he will be over-bet next time. Also, Cross Counter’s run may have gone a little under the radar as a consequence.

Charlie Appleby’s horse stayed on well to finish fourth, coming from midfield in a race in which it was probably an advantage to race handily. The first three home all raced prominently from early, with the Godolphin horse doing best of those who were not prominent.

Winner of both his runs at Wolverhampton during the winter, the son of Teofilo returned after a short break and a gelding operation to a nice race to finish second in a 10f novice stakes at Sandown in June from which the third has since come out and won. This was a good step forward from that and it was just his fourth run ever, so he has bags of scope for progression. The handicapper raised him by just 3lb to a mark of 101, which was fair. He has the potential to progress by more than that.

Ascot, 21^st June 2018